Beyond the fact that it eats beetles and spiders, very little is known about the biology of the Gaspé Shrew. Its appearance and preference for rocky habitats are similar to those of the larger, long-tailed shrew, to which it is very likely closely related. The Gaspé Shrew is found in three separate geographic locations, all in the far eastern coastal regions of Canada: the Gaspé Peninsula region of Quebec; north-central and western New Brunswick; and on Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia. It is often found near cool, rocky streams. As with the Long-tailed Shrew, the Gaspé Shrew's tail is almost as long as its head and body.

This shrew is treated as a separate species by Mammal Species of the World, although some sources (IUCNRed List, for example) consider this shrew to be a subspecies of the Long-tailed Shrew (Sorex dispar).

Also known as:
Musaraigne de Gaspé

Sexual Dimorphism:
None

Length:
Average:
105 mm
Range:
95-127 mm

Weight:
Average:
2.9 g
Range:
2.2-4.4 g

References:

Anthony, H.E., and G.G. Goodwin, 1924. A new species of shrew from the Gaspe Peninsula. American Museum Novitates, 109:1-2.